Color changing lemonade is a fun, refreshing drink that shifts color when lemon juice is added. It’s made with butterfly pea flower, which reacts to the acidity in the lemon. The result is a vibrant drink that looks like a magical potion and tastes delicious too.
In a small saucepan, bring water to a boil over high heat. Remove from heat and add butterfly pea flower powder. Whisk until dissolved
Transfer into heatproof container. Allow to come to room temperature (about an hour) before using or refrigerating.
Make the Sweetened Lemon Juice
While the butterfly pea flower-infused water is cooling, add lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of water, and sugar (or sweetener of choice) to a mixing glass.
Stir and place in refrigerator until butterfly pea flower-infused water has reached room temperature.
Make the Color-Changing Lemonade
Remove sweetened lemon juice from refrigerator and re-stir to make sure the sugar has completely dissolved. Pour sweetened lemon juice into a highball glass. Fill glass about ¾ of the way with crushed ice.
Shake or stir butterfly pea flower-infused water as separation can occur over time. Over the ice, add 3 tablespoons (1 ½ ounce) of butterfly pea flower-infused water.
Fill the remainder of the glass with ice, topping it off with another 3 tablespoons of butterfly pea flower-infused water.
Garnish with a lemon twist or lemon wheel, if liked, and serve right away.
Notes
Let the pea water cool: Hot liquid will melt the ice too fast. Use clear glass: The effect looks best when you can see it. Stir gently if needed: To blend the layers while still showing the transition. Make extra: Everyone will want to see and try it themselves.